Daily Readings - Sun Nov 16 2025
Malachi
1"Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire," says the LORD Almighty. "Not a root or a branch will be left to them.2But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.
2 Thessalonians
7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,8nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.9We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.10For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."11We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies.12Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.
Luke
5Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said,6"As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down."7"Teacher," they asked, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?"8He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.9When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.12"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.13This will result in your being witnesses to them.14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.15For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.16You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.17All men will hate you because of me.18But not a hair of your head will perish.19By standing firm you will gain life.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on judgment, perseverance, and the call to live with integrity and faithfulness. In the first reading from Malachi, we hear a vivid description of the day of the Lord, a day of purification where the arrogant and wicked will face judgment, while those who fear God’s name will experience healing and joy. This passage serves as a reminder of God’s justice and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. The second reading from 2 Thessalonians emphasizes the importance of living a disciplined and hardworking life, warning against idleness and dependence on others. St. Paul reminds us that our faith must be lived out in practical ways, avoiding disruptive behavior and instead working diligently to support ourselves and others.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the destruction of the Temple and the challenges that will precede the end times. He warns against being deceived by false messiahs and encourages His disciples to remain steadfast in the face of persecution and hardship. Jesus assures us that even in the midst of trials, God will give us the strength and wisdom to bear witness to our faith. These readings are interconnected in their themes of judgment, perseverance, and the call to live with integrity. They remind us that our faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a way of life that requires discipline, hard work, and trust in God’s providence.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are called to examine our own commitment to living a life of faith and integrity. Are we working diligently in our own lives, avoiding idleness and dependency? Are we prepared to face challenges and persecutions with patience and trust in God? The moral lesson here is clear: we must remain faithful and steadfast, trusting that God will guide us through all trials. Let us strive to live in such a way that we are not swayed by false promises or distracted by worldly concerns, but instead, we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, the Sun of Justice, who will bring us healing and peace.